Spraying to take place Monday, August 28, between 7:30 P.M. and 6:00 A.M the following morning, weather permitting

NEW YORK CITY - August 25, 2006 - To reduce mosquito activity, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) will spray pesticide from trucks in parts of the Rockaways (Queens) from 7:30 P.M. on Monday, August 28, to 6:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 29. If weather doesn't permit, spraying will be delayed until Tuesday, August 29, or the next possible night.

Norton Ave and Norton Basin to the West; Mott Basin to the North; Dickens street to the East; Beach Channel Drive to the South.

11691

Queens

Edgemere Park and Landfill

Inside the Park and Landfill

For this application, the Health Department will apply Anvil 10+10 (Sumithrin), a synthetic pyrethroid used in mosquito control efforts. A final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), completed by DOHMH in the summer of 2001, found that there is no significant risk of adverse impact to human health associated with the proper use of pyrethroids. Go to http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/feis.shtml to read the EIS.

The use of pesticides in New York City is conducted in accordance with federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) guidelines.

 Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.

 Vases are prohibited in cemeteries during West Nile virus season.

 Use mosquito repellent when outdoors in areas where mosquitoes are active. Use repellents containing the active ingredients deet, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus that are approved by the U.S. EPA and New York State for protection against biting mosquitoes. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than three. Always read the repellents label and follow instructions for use.

Recommendations to Avoid Direct Exposure to Pesticides

 Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility that spraying could worsen these conditions.

 Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.

 It is recommended that food sold or prepared outdoors in the spraying area be covered with a non-porous material, such as plastic sheeting, during the spraying event. Always, rinse fresh fruits and vegetables with water before eating.

 Air conditioners may remain on, but if you wish to reduce the possibility of exposure to pesticides, set the air conditioner vent to the closed position, or choose the “exhaust” function.

 If outdoor equipment and toys are exposed to pesticides, they may be washed with soap and water to reduce the possibility of exposure.